Matthew 4

New Int. Readers Version

New Int. Readers Version

1The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert. There the devil tempted him.

2After 40 days and 40 nights of going without eating, Jesus was hungry.

3The tempter came to him. He said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Man doesn't live only on bread. He also lives on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (De 8:3)

5Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city. He had him stand on the highest point of the temple.

6“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. It is written, “ ‘The Lord will command his angels to take good care of you. They will lift you up in their hands. Then you won't trip over a stone.’ ” (Ps 91:11)

7Jesus answered him, “It is also written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (De 6:16)

8Finally, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain. He showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

9“If you bow down and worship me,” he said, “I will give you all of this.”

10Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve.’ ” (De 6:13)

21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers. They were James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee. As they were preparing their nets, Jesus called out to them.

23Jesus went all over Galilee. There he taught in the synagogues. He preached the good news of God's kingdom. He healed every illness and sickness the people had.

24News about him spread all over Syria. People brought to him all who were ill with different kinds of sicknesses. Some were suffering great pain. Others were controlled by demons. Some were shaking wildly. Others couldn't move at all. And Jesus healed all of them.

25Large crowds followed him. Some people came from Galilee, from the area known as the Ten Cities, and from Jerusalem and Judea. Others came from the area across the Jordan River.